Mount Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak

Mount Disappointment and San Gabriel Peak is a 4.4 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Altadena, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from March until October.

Loved this hike! Like many others have said you really have to watch for the actual trail. It's right before the small parking area. If you pass the gate on the paved fire road you've gone too far. You can reach both peaks either way though. The fire road is longer and completely paved where as the trail cuts through the forest. I recommend the trail over the road.

After a couple miles on the trail you'll come back out on the fire road. About 1/4 mile past that and you'll find the final trail to San Gabriel Peak on the left. There is a pole but it isnt labeled besides some graffiti. The summit is totally worth it! I skipped Mt Disappointment this time but if you wanna bag 2 peaks go for it!

There are two ways up to the peaks. You can either take the fire road which is a longer route and more exposed or you can take the trail which is steeper, shorter, and more shady. We missed the entrance to the trail and accidentally started on the fire road. If you park right next to the gate the trail starts at the bottom of the slope with steep switch backs. Once we realized our mistake we were able to find a spot about a mile in to easily hop down to the trail. The trail has lots of good shade but it was no-see-um central the day of our hike.
After a steep climb the trail reconnects with the road. This last section is pretty steep and trekking poles would be handy. After connecting with the road you can take the road to your right to reach Mt. Disappointment or go straight to head to the other peak. When approaching the second peak be sure to stay to the left unless you want to take the trail over to Mt. Lowe. Ran out of time and wasn't able to complete the second peak, but the trail is steep. Short but steep. Next time I'll hit up both peaks. It was pretty hazy due to the fires so the views weren't the greatest, but I bet on a clear day it's stunning.

Hiked this on 1/20/17 and thoroughly enjoyed it despite a blizzard with 12" fresh snow. I lost my Black Diamond ice axe somewhere near Mt Disappointment Summit or San Gabriel Peak. Appreciate a call if anyone finds it. 859-496-6458

Park .2 miles above red box (only a few spaces). Trail is across the street zigzagging up into the forest. Watch sliding soil at first. Steep climb all the way up (a service road is off to the west at various points). When you dump out onto the road, you can either go right to grab Mt. Disappointment (road up to an old military base) or go left for a slightly longer climb to Mt. San Juan (which has the USGS plate at the peak). You can continue over to Mt. Lowe and exit back onto the Mt. Wilson road for a longer, three-peak hike. If you do that option, head back to the main road (thru the tunnel) and just grab a ride down with someone nice back to your car!